Commenting on the Economic Survey 2025–26 presented by the Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), said that, “the Survey clearly reflects the government’s progressive and growth-oriented vision for a Viksit Bharat. Economic Survey projecting FY27 GDP growth at 6.8-7.2% indicates the resilience of the economy despite global headwinds.”

He noted that the Survey is forward-looking in its assessment of the economy, candidly acknowledging emerging challenges while laying out a credible roadmap for reforms, resilience, and sustained growth. Chairman AEPC further said, “the emphasis on policy stability, competitiveness, and structural reforms sends a strong message of confidence to industry and global stakeholders alike.”

EU–India Trade Momentum: India to have heydays
Textile exports overview; Interestingly European retailers are increasingly positioning India as a key sourcing hub as the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) moves a step closer to reality.

Given that tariff disadvantages likely to be go away, India is anticipated to compete on an even keel/ more level playing field with established supplying hubs like such Bangladesh and Vietnams of the world, anchored in a renewed wave of sourcing interest from Europe supporting struggling India's textile exports.

Apparel industry hail India- EU FTA - Bilateral trade to double in next three years: Chairman AEPC.

Apparel industry hail India- EU FTA - Bilateral trade to double in next three years: Chairman AEPC.
The apparel exports industry hailed the India- EU FTA. Speaking on this historic deal Chairman AEPC, Dr. A Sakthivel said, “The industry sentiments are upbeat after the successful conclusion of the India–EU deal. It is a landmark moment for the Indian apparel industry. This deal will provide a significant boost to apparel exports which is expected to double in next three years. This marks a giant leap in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat. The zero-duty access of Indian garments and clothing to the EU market will decisively turn the tables in India’s favour enhancing our competitiveness in the European market.” 

Apparel Export sectors to come out from the most affected situation arising out of US Trade Tariff issues.
Sir, your kind support not only help the industry but also help the working force from the job loss
Urgent Need for India-US Tariff Resolution to Protect Textile Exports
1. Issue for Consideration:
Recent US actions imposing 25% tariffs & an additional 25% oil-related penalty on imports are causing severe disruption to textile exports, particularly to the US-India's largest export market
Without quick resolution, the sector faces order stoppages, job losses/loss of
market share

Export showing resilience 
Despite renewed tariff pressures from the United States, India’s garment exporters are refusing to hit the panic button. Instead, the industry is recalibrating—diversifying markets, sharpening value propositions, and positioning itself to benefit from a rapidly evolving global trade landscape.

There is no demand shock 
While higher US duties have tightened margins and altered buying behaviour, exporters report that demand has not disappeared—it has shifted.

India developing its own design and forecasting indigenous standards like VisionNxt and IndiaSize to reduce reliance on foreign benchmarking: Textiles Minister.
Industry confident of achieving the ambitious target of USD 40 billion in apparel exports by 2030: Chairman AEPC.
Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Textiles, inaugurated the 74th Edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) today, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi in presence of exhibitors and international buyers. The inauguration was followed by the lamp lighting, unveiling of fair guide and Minister's address.  IIGF is one of Asia's largest garment fairs bringing MSMEs and buyers together. The Minister also took rounds of stalls after the inauguration.

India’s Textile Export Playbook: Evolving FTAs landscape
Vision 2030: Reaching to $100 Billion Through FTAs, Heritage Strengths and New Export Hubs
India’s textile and apparel sector (T&C) is sharpening its export strategy as it cruises towards an ambitious/aspirational target of $100 billion in exports by the year 2030, a leap from the current level of about $40 billion.

At the center of this plan is a decisive and resolute push/exhortation to double down efforts & shipments to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partner countries which India so far is chugging along well, while strengthening & cementing India’s presence giving a heft to its export basket both in traditional and emerging global markets.

South Asia is no longer just the world’s production engine—it is fast emerging as a global innovation lab. The region supplies leading international brands while steadily moving up the value chain. Supported by an expanding middle class and evolving consumer preferences, South Asia’s textile and apparel sector is on track to cross USD 350 billion by 2030, transforming from a global production hub into a thriving innovation lab.

More than 235 exhibitors from across the country and international buyers from 65 countries to participate in this edition of IIGF
IIGF a powerful milestone and a gateway to accelerate growth: Chairman AEPC
Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Textiles, will be inaugurating the 74th Edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) on 23rd January 2026 (Friday) at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. The inauguration will be followed by the Minister's address.  IIGF is one of Asia's largest garment fairs bringing MSMEs and buyers together.

India-EU FTA: A perspective
Dr. Mukesh Kansal, Chairman, CTA Apparels: View
“The proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement represents a historic opportunity for India’s garment and textile sector. With the EU being one of India’s largest apparel export destinations, duty-free or reduced-duty access will significantly improve cost competitiveness for Indian exporters, especially against countries that currently enjoy preferential trade terms. 
This can directly translate into higher export volumes, better capacity utilisation, and stronger order visibility for manufacturers across the value chain.

India–EU FTA: Game changer for T&A India’s Exports
A Strategic Inflection Point 
India’s textile and apparel (T&C) sector is poised for a meaningful export revival as negotiations for the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) inches towards conclusion. Given world is witnessing challenging macroeconomic environment & global trade is navigating multiple headwinds; inflationary pressures, demand volatility, and geopolitical uncertainties, contracting global trade the proposed FTA is widely viewed by industry stakeholders as a big plus, timely and strategic enabler for India’s textile exports and force multiplier.

Union Budget 2026: Monetising FTAs to Accelerate Textile & Apparel Export Growth
CTA Apparels Analysis: From Market Access to Market Share
India’s textile and apparel exports (approx. USD 34–35 billion annually) have gained preferential market access through multiple FTAs with key regions—UAE, Australia, EFTA (Europe), and ASEAN-linked markets. The next frontier is clear: move from signing FTAs to monetising them—turning tariff advantages into orders, realisations, and long-term buyer commitments.
Now, with the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in force and investment intent aligned with manufacturing expansion, Union Budget 2026 is well-timed to create the “execution rails” that convert FTA access into measurable export growth.